clock

noun (1), often attributive

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\ ˈkläk

plural clocks

Definition of clock

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial broadly : any periodic system by which time is measured

2 : a registering device usually with a dial specifically : odometer

3 : time clock

4 : a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals

5 : biological clock

against the clock

1 : with or within a time constraint working against the clock

2 : with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement trial races against the clock

around the clock or less commonly round the clock

1 : continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation

2 : without relaxation and heedless of time

kill the clock or run out the clock

: to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (such as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead

— see also a race against the clock

clock

verb

clocked; clocking; clocks

Definition of clock (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to time with a stopwatch or by an electric timing device

b : to be timed at

2 : to register on a mechanical recording device wind velocities were clocked at 80 miles per hour

3 : to hit hard

4 chiefly British : attain, realize —usually used with up just clocked up a million … paperback sales — Punch

5a : to travel (a distance) over time clocks more than 15,000 miles a year on business

b : put in sense 3 clocking long hours at the office

intransitive verb

1 : to have a specified duration or speed —used with in the movie clocked in at just under 3 hours broadly : to have a specified measure or value —used with in the meal clocked in at about $15

2 : to register on a time sheet or time clock : punch —used with in, out, on, off he clocked in late

clock

noun (2)

Definition of clock (Entry 3 of 3)

: an ornamental figure on the ankle or side of a stocking or sock

Other Words from clock Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About clock

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Examples of clock in a Sentence

Verb He clocked 3 hours and 15 minutes in his last marathon. His fastest pitch was clocked at 91 miles per hour. The cop said she clocked me going 95 miles per hour. I was so angry I wanted to clock him.

History and Etymology for clock

Noun (1)

Middle English clok, from Middle Dutch clocke bell, clock, from Old French or Medieval Latin; Old French dialect (Picard) cloque bell, from Medieval Latin clocca, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish clocc bell

Noun (2)

perhaps from clock entry 1

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